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Hungary issues new Russia sanctions veto threat
Hungary's Foreign Minister Peter Szijjártó issued yet another threat to block the renewal of the EU's sanctions framework on Russian and Belarussian individuals. Their rollover for another six months will be on the agenda of EU leaders in March.
"We will not agree to extend the sanctions on Monday – there is time until March 10," Szijjártó said, claiming "time must be given" to support Trump's peacemaking efforts with Russia.
Szijjártó also accused the European Commission of breaking its own energy security commitments to Hungary, which Budapest had received in a non-binding statement earlier this month in regard to talks on restarting Ukrainian gas transit.
"They have already broken one of four guarantees," Szijjártó said, stressing that while Hungary was not invited, Slovakia and Ukraine were.
Szijjártó said Hungary would also oppose the EU’s proposed €20 billion package for Ukraine, "which aims to strengthen Kyiv’s position in negotiations rather than pushing for peace".
"We will not agree to extend the sanctions on Monday – there is time until March 10," Szijjártó said, claiming "time must be given" to support Trump's peacemaking efforts with Russia.
Szijjártó also accused the European Commission of breaking its own energy security commitments to Hungary, which Budapest had received in a non-binding statement earlier this month in regard to talks on restarting Ukrainian gas transit.
"They have already broken one of four guarantees," Szijjártó said, stressing that while Hungary was not invited, Slovakia and Ukraine were.
Szijjártó said Hungary would also oppose the EU’s proposed €20 billion package for Ukraine, "which aims to strengthen Kyiv’s position in negotiations rather than pushing for peace".